In the place we call Italy’s ghost town, we met nobody at all. Celleno, in the Lazio region, is a historic settlement that was abandoned after an earthquake in the 1930s. You walk it by following the signposts, alone.
What is Celleno like?
Celleno keeps its medieval atmosphere on a quiet hilltop with a lovely view. Because the settlement was abandoned, nobody lives there, and the signs guide your walk. It lies in northern Lazio, in the Tuscia area around Viterbo, a region known for medieval hill towns. We visited it as part of our motorcycle trip through Italy.
Where did we have our last dinner?
Our last evening in Italy was in Sulmona. After starting the tour in a balanced way, we indulged again toward the end and ate at two different places. One was Locanda Medievale on Piazza XX Settembre, a pleasant restaurant with a wide menu where the food was tasty. The other was a pizza restaurant that turned out far more stylish than we expected, with a back garden, dim lights and soft music. Our pizza choice was not great, but everything else was lovely. These are not ads, just our own recommendations.
What is Sulmona known for?
Sulmona lies in the Abruzzo region in a valley surrounded by mountains. It is known as the birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid and for its colourful confetti made from sugared almonds.
Why does Celleno stand out?
Being abandoned sets Celleno apart from Italy’s usual crowded towns: here there are signs and no people. Stone buildings with a medieval feel, the hilltop view and the silence give the route a different rhythm. For the road, Rider Healthcare socks suit cool mountain evenings, Galata Healthcare tablets can be added to the bag, and Educated Moto Riders offers motorcycle tours and trips.
Read the full story in Turkish with photos and videos: Celleno: İtalya’nın Hayalet Kasabası.